Windposts

ACS have designed and developed an extensive range of windposts that span vertically between floors to provide lateral support to a variety of brick and blockwork applications. They often eliminate the need for additional steel or reinforced concrete columns, thus reducing time and costs involved in this method of construction.Windposts provide strength and stability in large areas of cladding or where there are two or more window apertures in a masonry panel.

Typical windpost types

C type windposts are installed within a cavity, leaving the blockwork undisturbed. They are commonly used in masonry panels that are subject to lower wind loadings.

L type windposts are a cost-effective structural system, designed for use where high wind loadings may occur and in some cases where cavity widths restrict the use of C type windposts.

Special Windposts

ACS also offer a selection of posts to support spandrel panels and parapets. They are designed as ‘cantilevers’ but require a much larger base connection than simply supported beams to resist bending movements.

Please contact the ACS technical department for further details.

Ties & Fixings

Windposts are supplied complete with ACS masonry ties and bolt fixings and are available in a range of configurations to suit individual requirements. The method of fixing top and bottom connections is usually determined by the structure to which the post is fixed. The top connection is usually designed to provide vertical adjustment to allow for any site tolerances and differential movement that may occur in the structure.

Fixing Kits

To simplify the installation of posts, ACS have created a series of kits that come complete with all necessary drill bits, fixing bolts & washers etc to suit a variety of connections. All kits come complete with site installation notes that clearly show the fixer bolt types, tightening torques, curing times etc.

Materials

Windposts are predominantly manufactured from grade 304 stainless steel, however, they may be manufactured from other materials and be supplied in a number of finishes.

Please refer to the mild steel windpost section for further details.

Design

Windpost sizes may or may not be known depending on the status of the project.

The tables shown for the L & C type windposts detail typical section sizes to aid design. However, to ensure the most economical section is specified please liaise with a member of the technical department or alternatively please supply the following information;

• Wall construction (internal and external masonry thicknesses and cavity size)
• Masonry panel width (dimension of load that is to be applied to windpost)
• Masonry panel height
• Wind loading per m²

This will allow a basic design to be carried out. However, for special posts such as parapet posts please consult ACS Stainless.

How to order

When ordering windposts please supply the following.

• Section size
• Overall opening height
• Base fixing (e.g. Concrete / Steel / Timber)
• Top fixing (e.g. Concrete / Steel / Timber)
• Wall construction (internal and external masonry thicknesses and cavity size)
• Material & finish (Stainless / Mild Steel)

Alternatively please complete a windpost enquiry sheet.